Rubber Bits For Horses

A rubber bit uses a vulcanised rubber mouthpiece, either solid rubber or rubber-coated over a steel core. Rubber gives a softer, more cushioned feel than metal, and is warmer in cold weather. Common in horses sensitive to metal, horses returning from mouth injuries, or as a step gentler than a metal mouthpiece while keeping more direct feel than leather or synthetic.

A rubber bit suits horses with sensitive mouths, horses returning to work after mouth injury, or horses that reject metal taste. Rubber Pelhams in particular are common for horses that need more control than a snaffle but where a metal Pelham would be too harsh.

Measure mouth width at the corners and pick a bit that sits with about 5mm clear on each side. Rubber mouthpieces are bulkier than metal at the same nominal width - confirm the bit fits comfortably without pinching the corners. Most rubber bits are 18mm-20mm thick.

Rubber is a vulcanised natural material - softer than metal but with limited flex. Synthetic mouthpieces (Trust Inno Sense, Nathe) use food-grade thermoplastics that flex with the horse's mouth and warm to body temperature. Synthetic is generally softer and more flexible than rubber; rubber holds its shape better and lasts longer.

Sprenger covers rubber Mullen Mouth Pelhams (rigid vulcanic) and rubber Pelhams (flexible with long shank), plus the Flex Control flexible mullen mouth which uses a synthetic similar to rubber. Metalab covers rubber-covered jointed Dee bits and rubber-covered jointed Pelhams.

Rinse in warm water after every ride. Inspect the rubber regularly for splits, cracks or sections pulling away from the steel core - rubber is a wear surface and needs replacement before failure. Avoid leaving rubber bits in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which degrades the material.